If you want a career in the electrical industry then you're going to need to access high quality training - delivered by professionals in an intensive, structured and focused way. Unsure where to start? Use our course advisor to help point you in the right direction.

As many of you will already know, on the 1st July 2018 we said goodbye to the 17th edition wiring regulations to make way for the 18th Edition. The C&G 2382-15 17th Edition course has now been replaced by the 2382-18 18th Edition course. So we thought we would take a quick look at the 17th edition and some key talking points.

IET Wiring Regulations Explained

The IET Wiring Regulations is essentially a set of guides that electrical contractors comply with, whether it be for domestic, commercial or industrial installations.

Every professional electrician and domestic installer work to the latest edition of the wiring regulations and will need this if they want to register or remain as a domestic installer with a competent person’s scheme.

Did you know that the wiring regulations were originally published by in 1882?

In fact, there have been requirements for safe electrical wiring since way back in 1876. However, it wasn’t until 1882 that the then Society of Telegraph Engineers and Electricians, who later became the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), which now forms part of the IET, published the ‘Rules and Regulations for the Prevention of Fire Risks arising from Electric Lighting’. The original document consisted of just 4 pages!

The history of the 17th Edition

In January 2008 BS 7671:2008 17th Edition was released, followed by its first Amendment 1 in 2011. The next Amendment 2 came into effect in 2013, followed in January 2015 by the final Amendment 3.

When Amendment 3 was released it included some significant changes; one being Chapter 41, which was introduced to improve the level of protection against electrical shock. It stated that 30 mA RCDs will be required for socket outlets that are for use by ordinary persons and are intended for general use.

Another major change was Regulation 421.1.201 which required consumer units and similar switchgear assemblies in domestic premises to have a non-combustible enclosure or be enclosed in a cabinet or enclosure constructed of non-combustible material and complying with Regulation 132.12.

Regulation 521.11.201 was also a major change which required that wiring systems within escape routes require a suitable fire resistant means of support so that they are not liable to premature collapse in the event of fire.

Other changes included the electrical condition report section, new requirements for mobile and transportable electrical units and changes for the installation of luminaires and light fittings and sections relating to microgeneration and solar photovoltaic systems.

Hello 18th Edition

Whilst it’s time to say goodbye the 17th edition we can now say hello to the new 2382-18 18th Edition courses, which we will be delivering in centres nationwide from July 2018.

We appreciate that whilst changes are not always welcome in all sectors, the new regulations are a major step forward to improving the safety and protection of property as well as enhancing areas like electric vehicle charging, which will be in huge demand over the next few years.

The IET urges that all electrical professionals ensure they are familiar with the new requirements as all installations designed after the 31st December 2018 are to comply with BS 7671:2018.

We believe that scheme providers will be asking their members to hold the new edition although we do believe that existing members will be given some flexibility.

City & Guilds 2382-18 3 Day 18th Edition Course

The 18th Edition course will in fact be very similar to the 17th edition to ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest industry regulations on wiring and the safe use and operation of electrical equipment and systems.

The following subjects are still included:

Scope, object and fundamental principles

Definitions

Assessment of general characteristics

Protection for safety

Selection and erection of equipment

Inspection and testing

Special installations or locations

Appendices

The expected changes are:

Protection against over voltages - Clause 443 is likely to be overhauled.

Protection against fire - Chapter 42 will be updated with extra information on arc fault detection

Electrical Embedded heating - Section 753 will be extended to include embedded electrical heating systems for surface heating, and will include de-icing and frost prevention systems.

Energy efficiency – this will be a brand new section

C&G 2382-18 1 Day 18th Edition Update Course

If you passed the 17th edition with the 3rd amendment since the 1st January 2015 you only need to take the shorter one day 18th Edition Update course. The course covers similar topics to the three day course, as listed above, however as there are fewer changes to cover it can be complete in a shorter time.

Courses delivered in 8 Centres Nationwide

Due to high demand, both of these courses are available from 8 centres nationwide:

Gatwick - covering South London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey

Warrington - covering Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton and the North West

Leeds – covering the North East, Sheffield, Harrogate and York

Central London - right next to Euston Station

Coventry - covering Birmingham, Leicester, Northampton & Midlands

Hertfordshire - covering North London, Herts, Bucks and Essex

Cardiff - covering Wales and South West

Durham CCC (North East) - covering Newcastle, Sunderland and the North East

You can rest assured that the training you receive from Trade Skills 4U is delivered by experienced tutors who have worked in the industry. We are also able to boast, that our pass rate for the 2382 qualification is over 98%, which is well above the national average, and we have no reason to believe that this will change with the new qualification.